Pedal & Port
Eric Mallari on his road bike beneath an ancient archway on a cobblestone street in Italy

Issue No. 01

Welcome to Pedal & Port.

Active lifestyle. Shared adventures.

Founder Stories4 min read

By Eric Mallari

Photograph — a morning in Italy, at the start of a group ride through the old town.

Every journey has a beginning. Mine started with a bicycle.

Not because I was an experienced cyclist. Not because I had a grand plan. Simply because I decided to try something new.

Looking back, it’s amazing how one decision can change the direction of your life. That single step eventually led to Pedal & Port.

§ i

More than a name

People often ask what Pedal & Port means. For me, it’s much more than a business name.

Pedal represents movement. It represents health, freedom, adventure, and the simple joy of exploring the world one ride at a time.

Port represents discovery. New destinations. River cruises. Ocean voyages. Cultures, conversations, and unforgettable experiences waiting beyond the horizon.

Together, they represent a way of living — an active lifestyle filled with shared adventures.

§ ii

Why I started Pedal & Port

Over the years, cycling has taken me places I never imagined I’d visit. It has introduced me to incredible people, challenged me to do things I once thought were impossible, and reminded me that some of life’s greatest experiences begin with saying yes.

Along the way, I discovered something else. Travel becomes even more meaningful when it’s shared.

Whether it’s a morning ride with friends, cycling through the vineyards of Italy, exploring a European river by ship, or simply discovering a new town together — the memories we create with others are often the ones we treasure most.

That’s why Pedal & Port exists. Not simply to help people book a trip, but to inspire people to stay active, explore more of the world, and build meaningful connections through shared experiences.

§ iii

What you'll find here

This Journal is where I’ll share stories from the road, lessons learned through travel, cycling adventures, destination inspiration, wellness ideas, and the people who continue to remind me why this journey matters.

Some stories will make you smile. Some may inspire your next adventure. Others might simply encourage you to take that first step toward something you’ve always wanted to do.

If even one story inspires someone to get on a bicycle, take a trip they’ve been putting off, or discover a healthier, more adventurous way of living, then Pedal & Port has already accomplished something worthwhile.

§ iv

Welcome

A bicycle introduced me to cycling. But it was the friends I met along the way — beginning with a wonderful group from the Cambridge YMCA cycling community — who showed me what shared adventures truly mean. That is why Pedal & Port exists.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist, someone dreaming about your first river cruise, or simply looking for inspiration to live a little more actively — I’m glad you’re here.

I hope you’ll follow along as this journey continues. Because the best adventures are rarely about reaching the destination. They’re about the people we meet, the memories we create, and the life we build along the way.

Welcome to Pedal & Port. Active lifestyle. Shared adventures.

— Eric Mallari

Founder, PEDAL & PORT

Some of life's greatest experiences begin with saying yes.

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Follow Pedal & Port

Love cycling, travel, and active living?

Follow @pedalandport on Instagram for rides, destinations, behind the scenes moments, and inspiration.

Where will your next adventure take you? We’d love to see your journey. Tag @pedalandport and use #PedalAndPort.

Eric Mallari, founder of Pedal & Port

About the author

About Eric Mallari

Hi, I’m Eric, founder of Pedal & Port. What began with one borrowed bicycle became a passion for helping others stay active, explore the world, and create unforgettable memories through cycling, travel, and shared adventures.

Where to next

Continue Your Journey

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, your next cycling adventure, or unforgettable travel experiences, Pedal & Port is here to help you discover what’s possible.